Stretchable Protective Liners

ABSTRACT

A liner to prevent damage to a portion of a fragile item, including at least its rim, includes a stretchable u-shaped ring edge member into which the rim of a fragile item may be inserted, and which frictionally engages the rim by contacting both the inner and outer surface of the fragile item adjacent the rim. The liner, in another variation, also includes a fabric covering that may be removably attached to the edge member and which stretches to cover the outer surface of the fragile item along with the rim. The liner or portions thereof comprise a dishwasher safe material which may have a mesh structure, so the liner can be left on during washing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a protective device designed to cover the rim and outer surface of fragile items, including glassware, dishware, and bakeware. These types of fragile items are commonly made of glass, porcelain, and other breakable materials that frequently crack, chip, and break during use, cleaning, and storage. Furthermore, many fragile items, like fine china and crystal, can be very costly to replace if broken and are frequently sold in sets, making it sometimes very difficult to replace a single piece.

Several patents and publications describe devices designed to protect fragile items and are described below. The following documents are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,209 describes a device to prevent breakage of a breakable container formed with an outer face and an opposed an inner face that meet at a parametric edge encircling an opening to the inner face of the breakable container. The device includes a container wrap formed of a shock resistant material. The container wrap is constructed to be applied over and across the outer face and the parametric edge of the breakable container to absorb and dissipate impacting forces to prevent breakage of the breakable container. At least one suction cup is formed in the container wrap to detachably secure the container wrap to a surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,683,579 describes a base or holder for a cleanser can or the like. The invention is particularly directed toward the provision of a suitable attachment base for a can, such as a can of cleanser, which is used around porcelain enamel finished surfaces such as sinks, wash bowls, etc., where the user will desire to frequently set the can down. One of the objects of the invention is to provide a base giving the can a better stability against tipping over. Another and important object is to provide a base of cushioning, non-abrasive material which protects the porcelain finished surfaces of sinks, wash bowls, kitchen stoves, refrigerator, etc., from being scratched by the cleanser can, in the event the operator should set the can on such surface.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0034660 describes a sleeve or wrap for protecting a container. In certain embodiments, the sleeve or wrap is a protective encasement for protecting a container, such as a bottle. In certain embodiments, the sleeve or wrap includes a body with a lumen, wherein the body is configured for holding and/or containing the container. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the sleeve is a protective silicone sleeve that is adapted to hold and/or contain a container, thereby protecting the container from damage (e.g., breaking). Also provided is a system for protecting a container that includes a protective sleeve, as described above, and a container that is configured for being associated, e.g., fit within, the protective sleeve.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0045188 describes a cover for a bowl such as a pet food or water bowl that consists of a dip molded cover on the outer surface of a bowl to provide features such as a visually appealing appearance, protection, and insulation. The cover of the present invention may be fabricated of rubber or plastic material and may be permanently or removably secured to the outer surface of the bowl. However, these prior efforts suffer from one or more disadvantages which decrease their utility: none provide a liner that can selectively protect and cover only the rim of a fragile item, none provide a liner with a rim member that removably combines with a fabric covering to protect and cover the entire outer surface and rim of a fragile item, and none provide a liner having handles for transporting a fragile item without its own handles.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for protecting fragile items, including dishware, bakeware, fine china, and the like, from being chipped or damaged during use and storage which, in one or more aspects, overcomes disadvantages of the prior efforts. The present invention also provides a safeguard when such items are being cleaned in a dishwasher to avoid chips, breaks, or cracks.

In a first embodiment, the protective liner hereof comprises a stretchable, cushioning “loop” or “ring” edge member that may be stretched to fit over the rim of fragile items, like glassware, dishware, and bakeware. This first embodiment protects the rims of such items from colliding against one another or other surfaces in the dishwasher and serves to cushion the edges of an item contacting other items or surfaces during stacking and storage.

In another embodiment, the protective liner hereof may also include a stretchable, cushioning fabric covering attached to the elastic ring edge member, so that the protective liner may fit over the rim and outer sides and bottom of a fragile item, thus protecting the entire outer surface thereof. This additional embodiment is particularly designed to protect the areas of fragile items, like dishes, that may not otherwise be protected with the elastic ring edge member alone. For example, when stacking a set of plates, the bottom surface of a first plate will be in contact with the upper surface of second plate stacked beneath the first plate. In this case, it would be preferable to have a protective liner that covers and protects the bottom and outer surface of the plate which is most likely to come in contact with another surface during stacking and storage. Also, the additional embodiment may cover and protect areas along the outer surface of a fragile item more prone to damage, such as handles. In a further embodiment, even if the fragile item doesn't have handles on an outer surface thereof, the fabric covering may have one or more additional handle members to help with transportation of the item.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a circular, oval, and rectangular loop shaped stretchable protective liner of one embodiment to protect the edges of correspondingly shaped fragile items;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the circular shaped stretchable protective liner of FIG. 1, along line 2-2 therein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a circular, oval, and rectangular loop shaped stretchable protective liner of one embodiment further including a stretchable protective fabric covering to protect and cover the outer sides and bottom of fragile items;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the circular loop shaped stretchable protective liner of FIG. 3 along line 4-4 therein, that includes a stretchable protective fabric covering to protect and cover the outer sides and bottom of fragile items;

FIG. 5a illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides and bottom of a bowl;

FIG. 5b illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides, handles, and bottom of a bowl;

FIG. 5c illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides and bottom of a bowl where the fabric covering on the bottom of the bowl includes handle members;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner stretched around the edge and outer sides and bottom of a series of plates stacked together,

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of stacked bakeware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner is cushioning and protecting the edges of the bakeware while such bakeware is stacked together,

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of stacked dishware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner made of a material having a mesh structure is cushioning and protecting the edges of the dishware while such dishware is stacked together;

FIG. 9a is an exploded view of stacked bakeware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner is cushioning and protecting the edges of the bakeware; and

FIG. 9b is an exploded view of stacked bakeware, whereby one embodiment of a stretchable protective liner is cushioning and protecting the edges and handles of the bakeware.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Liner 12 Edge Member 14 Fabric Covering 16 Handle Member 20 Fragile Item 22 Rim/Edge 24 Outer Surface 26 Outer Sides 28 Bottom 30 Handles

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the Brief Summary of the Invention above, the Detailed Description of the Invention, the Claims, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in other aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B. and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A. B, and C but also one or more other components. Further, the term “fragile items” is used herein to mean dishware, bakeware, cookware, fine china, tableware, and the like of any shape or size made of or with a breakable material. To the extent a specific piece or type of fragile item is identified herein, it is understood that such identification also includes all other pieces or types of fragile items to the extent possible.

Here, a protective liner 10 for fragile items 20, including dishware and bakeware, to prevent breakage, chips, and cracks is provided. The liner 10 loop may be designed in several different shapes, similar to the shapes most commonly associated with specific pieces and types of fragile items 20, such as circular for cups, plates and bowls, and oval and/or rectangular for serving dishes and bakeware, etc. It is contemplated that the construction and design of the liner 10 is such that a single liner 10 may be used interchangeably for a variety of sizes and types of fragile items 20 with and without handles 30, including dishware, bakeware, and glassware. For example, a circular loop shaped liner 10 may be designed to be approximately 3 inches in diameter at rest; this same liner 10 may be stretched to attach to the rim 22 of a drinking glass that is approximately 4 inches in diameter, subsequently removed from the drinking glass and further stretched and attached to the rim 22 of a bowl that is approximately 6 inches in diameter. Furthermore, such a circular loop shaped liner 10 may also be designed to stretch over and attach to handles 30 adjacent to the rim 22 of the bowl, in addition to the rim 22 itself. Although the liner 10 may not have an infinite stretching ability, it is contemplated that the liner 10 may stretch at least several inches beyond its resting size to accommodate a variety of fragile items 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the liner 10 is constructed of a shock-absorbing viscoelastic polymer, such as silicone rubber, allowing it to stretch and conform to a multitude of different sizes and shapes. Examples of these viscoelastic polymers include Akton, Sorbothane, and Vistik. A viscoelastic material can be pushed, pressed, and stretched into a desired shape. That shape is then maintained until the material is removed and reshaped, thus allowing for a single protective liner 10 to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes of fragile items 20. This type of material is also dishwasher safe and sufficiently heat resistant for use in an oven.

Further, in additional embodiments, it is foreseen that all or a portion of the liner 10 material may be solid and non-porous in structure or have a “mesh structure” comprising interlaced strands forming a porous mesh, as desired and as in FIGS. 5b, 5c , and 8. A liner 10 material having a porous mesh structure has the benefit of allowing cleaning of the covered surface of the fragile item 20 without removal of the liner 10 and without the unintended collection of water between the liner 10 and the covered surface of the fragile item 20. However, a liner 10 material having a solid non-porous structure has the benefit of providing the maximum protection to the covered fragile item 20. Consequently, a liner 10 comprising materials having both structures along various portions may provide a desired aggregation or balance of these benefits.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention, whereby a stretchable, protective liner 10 comprising an edge member 12 is provided. When cross-sectioned, the edge member 12 is preferably designed in a U-shape or C-shape—as shown in FIG. 2—for easily fitting over and frictionally engaging the upper rim 22 of a fragile item 20, like a bowl, drinking glass, or other dishware, without need of any additional attachment means, such as clamps suction cups, or the like. This first embodiment protects the rims/edges 22 of fragile items 20, like dishware and glassware, from breaks, chips, and cracks, as in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 a, and 9 b. Traditionally, when dishes are stacked and stored, the outer surface 24 of one dish will contact the inner surface of another dish—as in FIG. 7; or, the bottom 28 of one dish will rest upon the rim 22 of another dish—as in FIG. 8. It is not uncommon for dishes to chip and crack when stacked and stored in this manner. However, when a series of dishes are fitted with these protective liners 10 and subsequently stacked for storage, these liners 10 provide cushioning and protection when one dish contacts another dish, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In addition, it is foreseen that these protective liners 10 may be fitted over and frictionally engage handles 30 adjacent the rim 22, in addition to the rim 22 itself, as in FIG. 9 b.

Furthermore, this first embodiment may remain on a fragile item 20 while it is being washed, both by hand or in a dishwasher. It is common for glasses and dishes to collide or hit one another in a dishwasher, particularly if the dishwasher is full, resulting in cracks and chipped edges 22. Thereby, the present invention may provide cushioning and protection to such fragile items 20 during washing. Additionally, as stated previously, the liner 10—particularly the edge member 12—may also be constructed of a material having a mesh structure, thereby allowing for more effective cleaning of the covered fragile item 20 and reducing the likelihood that water from washing will collect between the fragile item 20 and edge member 12.

In a second embodiment, the liner 10 may also comprise a stretchable, cushioning fabric covering 14 attached to the inner portion of the viscoelastic edge member 12, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The fabric covering 14 may be permanently or removably attached to the edge member 12. The edge member 12 may be removably attached to the fabric covering 14 through complementary hook and hoop fastener assemblies, snap fit or traditional buttons, interlocking tab and pocket segments, or the like. There are many means for removably attaching such segments and one skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for providing removable attachment may be employed. Whether permanently or removably attached, the edge member 12 may be attached to the fabric covering 14 in such a way that the covering 14 is pulled and stretched around the outer surface 24 of a fragile item 20—including the outer sides 26, any handles 30, and bottom 28—as the edge member 12 fits over and frictionally engages the upper lip or rim 22 thereof. For example, a baking dish may be centered on top of the fabric covering 14 attached to an edge member 12 of such a liner 10 and the fabric covering 14 may then be stretched around the outer sides 26 of the dish as the edge member 12 is pulled up and fitted around the rim 22 thereof, as shown in FIGS. 5a . 5 b, 5 c, and 6. In this way, the outer surface 24, including the sides 26, any handles 30 (as in FIG. 5b ), and bottom 28 of a fragile item 20, as well as the upper rim 22, may be cushioned and protected during use and storage.

Further, this second embodiment may be preferred for use during long-term storage of fragile items 20, for packing such during a move, or for storage of such that are exceptionally fragile or valuable, such as fine china and crystal. FIG. 6 shows plates 20 covered with such a liner 10 stacked together so it can be seen that no plate 20 contacts another without some portion of the liner 10 therebetween to cushion such contact. Also, while it is foreseen that the fabric covering 14 may cover handles 30 (as in FIG. 5b ), it is also possible that in additional embodiments the fabric covering 14 may also have handle members 16 attached on the outside thereof, as in FIG. 5c . Thereby, a fragile item 20 not having handles 30 may be protected and provided with handle members 16 to facilitate easier transport.

Although it is preferable to remove this second embodiment prior to washing so that the outer surface 24 of a fragile item 20 may be cleaned without any interference, it is foreseen that this second embodiment may also remain on a fragile item 20 while it is being washed, both by hand or in a dishwasher. Thereby, the present invention may provide enhanced cushioning and protection to such fragile items 20 during washing than that of the first embodiment. Additionally, the fabric covering 14—in place of or addition to the edge member 12—may also be constructed of a material having a mesh structure, in addition to being dishwasher safe, thereby allowing for more effective cleaning of the covered fragile item 20 with the liner 10 still on and reducing the likelihood that water from washing will collect between the fragile item 20 and fabric covering 14.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. Further, it is not necessary for all embodiments of the invention to have all the advantages of the invention or fulfill all the purposes of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective liner comprising: a stretchable u-shaped loop edge member; wherein said edge member can be placed on the rim of a fragile item to frictionally engage and cover said rim and a portion of the inner and outer surfaces of said fragile item adjacent said rim to protect them from being damaged due to contact; and wherein said inner and outer surfaces of said fragile item remain substantially unobstructed by the edge member.
 2. The protective liner of claim 1, whereby said edge member also frictionally engages and covers at least one handle of said fragile item adjacent said rim.
 3. The protective liner of claim 1, whereby said liner is composed of a dishwasher-safe material.
 4. The protective liner of claim 1, whereby said liner is composed of a material sufficiently stretchable to cover and frictionally engage alternative rims of fragile items having different diameters.
 5. The protective liner of claim 1, whereby said liner is composed of a material having a mesh structure.
 6. A protective liner comprising: a stretchable u-shaped loop edge member; wherein said edge member can be placed on the rim of a fragile item to frictionally engage and cover said rim and a portion of the inner and outer surfaces of said fragile item adjacent said rim to protect them from being damaged due to contact; and a stretchable fabric covering attached to said edge member so said covering engages and covers said outer surface of said fragile item when said edge member is placed on said rim to protect said outer surface from damage due to contact.
 7. The protective liner of claim 6, whereby at least one of said edge member and said fabric covering are composed of a dishwasher safe material.
 8. The protective liner of claim 6, whereby at least one of said edge member and said fabric covering are composed of a material having a mesh structure.
 9. The protective liner of claim 1, whereby said liner is composed of a material sufficiently stretchable to cover and frictionally engage handles on said outer surface.
 10. The protective liner of claim 6, whereby said edge member and fabric covering are removably attached so said fabric covering may be removed and said edge member may be utilized by itself.
 11. The protective liner of claim 6, further including handle members affixed to said fabric covering. 